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| Kashmir Fruit Trees |
Horticulture
also serves as a high contributing industry to the state’s economy. Out of the
total area of horticulture in the state, 90 percent is concentrated in the
valley due to its suitable climate. With annual turnover of 75 million USD,
this sector is the biggest source of income in the state’s economy next to
agriculture. Additionally, horticulture is gaining momemtum in the state as
revealed by its 7-8% contribution to the state’s GDP. Almost 45% of economic
returns in the agricultural sector is accounted for by horticulture.4 The
agro-climatic conditions prove highly suitable for growth and development
fruits and various wild herbs. Local soil is deep and rich in organic matter
and access to human resources for farm labour is amply abundant.
The horticulture industry also serves as a great advantage to the state due to its monopoly on
walnuts, black walnuts, almonds, pears, cherries, apples, hazelnuts, pecan-nuts,
strawberries, goji berries, and kiwi fruits. However, according to the J&K
Planning Commission, Kashmiri horticulturalists have limited their industry to
merely supplying primary products rather than diversifying their market through
value addition. Juice concentrate and jams, processing units for saffron, herbs
and dry fruits like almonds and walnuts also offer abundant opportunities for
entrepreneurship. Export potential for processed fruits, walnut products,
honey, and etc., will increase through consciencious use of fertilizers for
quality production and disease protection. By utilizing modern technology for
packaging and cold storage, youth entrepreneurs can transform the Kashmirhorticulture industry.
Floriculture
provides an overall market size in Kashmir of US$2 million annually and
supplies flowers and products to both domestic and international markets.
According to the J&K Economic Survey for 2010-11, an area of 250 hectares
is under commercial floriculture production in Kashmir.
Annual
turnover from floral trade which was just 1 crore during 1998-1999 has reached
to a level of 10 crores during 2009-2010. In addition to centrally sponsored
schemes issued from the Government of J&K, the J&K Bank also offers the
JK Bank Commercial Floriculture Finance – composite term loan in order to
provide “adequate and need based financial assistance for commercial
cultivation of flowers”5 . Similar to horticulture, aspiring entrepreneurs will
benefit from value addition opportunities in the floriculture sector. In
addition to cut flowers, foliage and bulbs distribution, processing of
medicinal and aromatic plants for oils and handsoaps adheres to a high national
and international export market. Livestock is another fast growing sector
making great progress in the Kashmir economy. As per provisional estimates of
the 18th livestock census in 2007, the total livestock population in the state
has increased from 98.99 lakh in 2003 to 104.73 lakh in 2007, registering an
increase of 5.8%6 . The J&K Department of Animal Husbandry offers centrally
sponsored sector schemes such as: the rural backyard poulty development scheme,
livestock health and disease control, and the venture capital fund/dairy
entrepreneurship development scheme.7 Youth entrepreneurs should again consider
value addition of processing and packaging for livestock and dairy enterprises.
From packaged frozen meats to leather tanning, startup businesses in the
livestock and dairy sector hold vast potential for domestic and export growth
in Kashmir. The Agriculture Department, Government of J&K offers several
centrally sponsored schemes such as the Technology Mission (TM) and the
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to provide greater incentives, training
and assistance for upcoming entrepreneurs. Additionally, J&K Bank also
offers a list of specialized finance schemes such as the All Purpose Agri-term
Loan in order to help kickstart the careers of youth entrepreneurs. These
opportunities will be discussed in greater detail througout the booklet;
however, entrepreneurs are encouraged to consult these institutions.
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